Wood Pigeon

[counterlady]

Hi All
I have had a pair of wood pigeons nesting in a very large conifer tree and they come back year after year to the same spot. I'm a little distraught because yesterday my son came down with his 1 year old labrador and she managed to catch one of the wood pigeons whilst it was feeding on the ground.

I was so shocked and upset. I cant believe the dog acually caught it but she is very fast. I'm now also concerned about the dog - now that its tasted blood!!!

I have always been told that wood pigeons pair for life and if so will the other one never breed again? Also will that be the end of the nesting site being scared off etc?

I know a lot of people call them pests etc but I actually like them and do have at least 3 pairs that visit and nest in my garden.

[werdnal]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your pigeon. They do often pair for life, but if one pair dies they will find another. We have pet pigeons, and they are very fickle - on the odd occasion we have lost one of a pair, the remaining one soon forgets and starts looking for another mate.

Do you know if the nest has eggs? Have they hatched? Pigeons usually make very good parents and one of the pair should be able to raise their chicks (they usually have 2, sometimes 1), if they are old enough to be left. If they are newly hatched, they will need both parents - 1 to brood and keep them warm, whilst the other is away feeding.

They probably won't breed there again this year, but if its been a successful spot for them, the remaining bird may encourage a new partner to return next year.

[counterlady]

Thanks Werdnal
No I really dont know what the situation is regarding eggs or hatched etc. The connifer is enormous and the nest is very high up. I'll be keeping an eye on it to see if there are any comings and goings. Its been very quiet today though - normally there is a chorus of them throughout the day but not much heard today.

I do hope the one left finds another and comes back. I can make the same noise as them by blowing into my hands and they often call back.

I'll just have to sit and wait - I can accept mother nature and its sometimes cruel ways but this was not mother nature this was my sons dog!!!
Regards

[counterlady]

How long do they live for and breed for!!!

[werdnal]

We have had domestic pigeons that have lived until 12, but obviously wild woodies have much more threats and hazards affecting their lifespan. I would say 3-5 years is a good innings for a wild one!

They have a maximum of 2 eggs each time they lay, but woody nests are notoriously wobbly and fragile and both eggs and young often fall out and perish. Eggs hatch in 17 days, and youngsters fledge in around 30-35 days, but remain dependant on their parents for a while longer. They also breed almost all year round if the weather is kind. We have had nesting woodies here since February, so although they have a few mishaps with their eggs/young, they make up for it with there long breeding season.